Berkswell & Balsall 3 - 14 Southam

2nds roll on with another win

Southam started the game by kicking off. Southam's defence started slow with BB running through, making metres until centre Charlie Munro made a smashing tackle, resulting in a knock on.

Due to the lack of front row players, both captains agreed on passive scrums. Wet conditions made handling difficult and scrums became a common occurrence. The referee was frustrated with the flankers lack of binding from both teams, awarding penalties against both sides.

Southam were pinned back in their own half due to the slippery conditions and lack of communication but their defence held strong.

Southam managed to gain territory by some impressive back play by Toby Saunders and Andy King to put them into BB's 22. This enabled the half backs Phil Nichols and Josh Tolley to control the forwards with a sequence of pick and go movements to edge Southam closer to BB's try line. Southam's forward's attack culminated into what Southam thought was a try only for it to be held up on the line. Southam were then awarded an attacking scrum. Southam's No 8, Flo Neale, picked the ball up from the base of the scrum, running over BB's 10 to score the first try of the game under the posts. Josh Tolley converted.

BB got deep into Southam's half and were rewarded with a penalty at the breakdown due to a tackler not rolling away.

At the end of the first half the score was 3 - 7.

After making a few changes, Southam started the second half much brighter, attacking close to BB's line. Southam had plenty of attacking opportunities but couldn't capitalise on them.

A scuffle broke out between the forwards resulting in a yellow card for southam's flanker Rory Bowmen-Shaw and BB's open side flanker. The ref had previously warned both teams about their binding at the scrum.

Southam were awarded a scrum as the attacking team, with possession before the scuffle. Flo Neale picked the ball up but was unable to reach the try line. Veteran Phil Evans picked the ball up at the base and scored his first try of the season and Southam's second of the game. Josh Tolley then added a vital 2 points.

BB's captain approached the referee asking for Southam's captain, Phil Nichols, to approve his request for the game to be abandoned due to BB not having enough players due to injury. Southam offered to lend players so the game could be completed but BB declined the offer. The game was abandoned at 50 minutes.